At its annual meeting Wednesday, the United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County announced that its incoming 2026-27 board chair is Blake Moret, chairman and CEO Milwaukee-based of Rockwell Automation.

“We recognize the expertise of the United Way in tackling complex, long-term, interconnected community issues,” Moret said. “When we partner with United Way, we know that our employees, time resources and volunteer efforts have the greatest possible impact.”

Moret succeeds George Oliver, chairman and CEO of Johnson Controls, who assumed the United Way board chair position in 2024.

“I want to thank outgoing United Way board chair George Oliver for his leadership over the past two years,” said Amy Lindner, president & CEO of United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County. “George is an inspiring champion for change and is passionate about making our community a great place for everyone who lives here. I also want to congratulate our new board chair Blake Moret. Blake has been involved with United Way for many years, and he brings a wealth of experience to his new role. All of us at United Way are looking forward to his leadership over the next two years.”

United Way also on Wednesday announced that its 2026 United Way Community Campaign co-chairs are P.J. DiStefano, managing partner at Deloitte; Michael Evans, president of Marcus Hotels and Resorts; Anthony Hudson, head of distribution, U.S. Personal & Business Banking at BMO; and Renee Ramirez, CEO emeritus, Community Smiles Dental.

The Community Campaign is the primary annual fundraising initiative for United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County. The campaign usually mobilizes thousands of donors, local businesses and volunteers to meet a fundraising goal, which, in 2025, was $56 million. The campaign ended up raising $58.7 million.

The 2025 campaign focused on four initiatives: ending family homelessness, reducing barriers to employment and advancement, ensuring digital equity — also called “techquity” — and improving mental wellness among teens. A fundraising goal and focus for the 2026 campaign will be announced later this year.

At the event Wednesday, which was hosted by Foley & Lardner, LLP, United Way also recognized two individuals during their annual award presentations.

Clarence Johnson, CEO at Wisconsin Community Services, was awarded The Linda McFerrin African American Nonprofit Leadership Award, which recognizes an outstanding African American nonprofit executive who has provided exemplary leadership in the community. 

“(Johnson) has helped to shape several area organizations over the years,” a press release said. “Cory and Michelle Nettles established this award in recognition of Linda McFerrin, retired vice president of Resource Development and her 42 years of leadership and service to United Way.”

Julie Anthony, United Way campaign coordinator, was awarded The John A. Puelicher Award for Campaign Coordinator excellence. Anthony is a nonprofit development and fundraising professional with experience in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors, according to a press release.